Bucks vs Pacers Predictions

**SBR Andy** · 04-18-25, 10:08 AM

Bucks vs Pacers Game 1 prediction from SBR's Phil Wood:

Bucks +5.5 (-108 DraftKings)

"This spread opened at 4.5 points, and despite 61% of bettors backing the Bucks to cover, it has increased to 5.5 points. Usually, this would indicate that oddsmakers like what they’re seeing from the team that the public is fading, and it would be a good idea to go against the public. But I don’t see it on Saturday.

All three of the Bucks' wins over the Pacers were by at least seven points, and the only time the Pacers beat the Bucks was by one in Indianapolis. The Bucks are the hotter team entering the postseason, and they’re better defensively. Maybe my mind will change before Game 2, but for now, the Bucks should be favored in this series."

Under 225.5 (-110 BetMGM)

"At the time of writing, 68% of bettors are backing the Over, which is exactly what oddsmakers want. These two teams are averaging over 115 points per game, and all three of their previous meetings finished with more points than this current total. And yet, the number isn't increasing despite overwhelming support for the Over.

Even though I see the trap, I’m still not incredibly confident in the Under. These are two teams that play very little defense, and both squads have numerous players who can make shots. This fourth quarter could easily feature big shot after big shot, which would send this total easily Over.

Still, the Under is the right play."

**SBR Andy** · 04-20-25, 10:47 AM

The Pacers dominate Game 1, final score 117-98.

Updated series odds at DraftKings: Pacers -240 / Bucks +195

**SBR Andy** · 04-22-25, 12:26 PM

Bucks vs Pacers Game 2 predictions from SBR's Brenden Schaeffer:

Over 227.5 (-110 DraftKings)

"The ebbs and flows of a typical playoff series would suggest a return to normalcy for the scoring pace after a tighter defensive game in the opener. Prior to Saturday’s game, which totaled only 215 points, the Bucks and Pacers had exceeded this scoring total in all four of their regular-season matchups, with those matchups averaging 238.0 total points per game.

Indiana averages the sixth-most points per home game in the NBA this season (118.3 PPG), and the Pacers also rank 17th in scoring defense. After holding the Bucks below 100 points in Game 1, Indiana figures to see Milwaukee’s best shot as the pace picks up in a more desperate spot for the Bucks in Game 2.

Dating back to the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, Pacers star Pascal Siakam has logged five straight playoff wins against the Bucks, and kept that streak rolling by matching up effectively against Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1.

Over bettors should target this wager at DraftKings for the line at 227.5 rather than the 228.5 mark from BetMGM."

Pascal Siakam Over 20.5 points (-105 BetMGM)

"Siakam, who averaged 20.2 points per game on the season, has cleared this scoring line in about half of his contests. He opened the playoffs with a 25-point output against the Bucks in Game 1.

Siakam has had the Bucks’ number in his last five playoff matchups against Milwaukee. He has also posted strong numbers this season when facing the Bucks, reaching 25 or more points in four of the five matchups. Siakam hasn’t scored fewer than 20 points against Milwaukee all year.

The consistency of his scoring against Milwaukee, despite the Bucks’ generally solid defense against opposing power forwards and centers, suggests a particular advantage for Siakam’s ability to regularly defy a strength of Milwaukee’s defense."

**SBR Andy** · 04-23-25, 08:12 AM

The Pacers roll again 123-115 in Game 2, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

Updated series odds via DraftKings: Pacers -450 / Bucks +350